The Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation celebrated Maine Open Lighthouse Day for the first time by inviting community members to take advantage of a beautiful, sunny day on Saturday, September 12, at the historic Curtis Island Light Station in Camden Harbor.

Visitors had an opportunity to experience Curtis Island and tour all four of its historic structures: the Light Tower, Light Keeper’s House, Barn, and Oil Shed—structures that were rebuilt in the late 1880s, following the original construction of the light station in 1835.

Transportation to and from the island was provided by local volunteers. Sam and Barney Appleton helped ferry community members in their island landing craft, while Chris Harris transported visitors aboard the Curtis Island Light, the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation’s small Boston Whaler.

For many visitors—this was their first time visiting the island providing them with a novel experience and a sense of what it is like to reach the island and visit the historic light station.

The day also included an educational program on island invasive plants presented by Restoration Ecologist Amy Thomas and her colleague Patricia Fulton of Wild Ones Midcoast Maine. The program introduced visitors to the iMap Invasives mapping program, identified examples of invasive species found on Curtis Island, demonstrated mechanical removal techniques, and discussed ways to protect and enhance the island’s ecology.

Michael Skaling, President of the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation, welcomed visitors and provided an update on plans for the future of the light station.

Working with the Town of Camden, the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation is focused on raising the funds needed to historically restore and preserve the four structures on Curtis Island. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure that this important piece of Maine’s maritime history can continue to be enjoyed by the community and future generations.

William Schaeffer, who has lived in Camden for 30 years, was among those visiting Curtis Island for the first time. After touring the island, Schaeffer said he would like to return next year when additional community days are planned.

“Days like this are a wonderful reminder of how special Curtis Island is to the Camden community,” said Skaling. “We were very pleased to welcome so many people to the island and give them an opportunity to see these historic buildings up close.”

The Curtis Island Light Station has been an important part of Camden Harbor’s maritime history for nearly two centuries. Maine Open Lighthouse Day provided an opportunity for the community to visit, learn more about the island, and see firsthand both its beauty and the importance of preserving its historic structures.

About the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation:

The Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping preserve and historically restore the Curtis Island Light Station in cooperation with the Town of Camden. The Foundation is raising funds for restoration of the Light Tower, Light Keeper’s House, Barn, and Oil Shed.

For more information: CurtisIsland.org